We all love an excuse to celebrate, whether for a birthday, wedding or simply the end of the working week. Of course not all celebrations are made equal and there are some (your Great Aunt’s 88th birthday, perhaps) that will be happily lost from memory, and others that you’ll never, ever forget. By combining a luxury holiday with the opportunity to join the locals in a lively festival, you can be sure it’ll be a celebration that sticks with you. Plus, you’ll also get a unique insight into the local culture and way of life.
To get you in the party mood, here are a few of this year’s most exciting and unusual events that we think are well worth planning a holiday around…
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INTI RAYMI, PERU
22nd June
Incan celebrations of the Sun God are held every year at Korikancha, the Temple of the Sun, and in Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. Watch Cusco's ceremonial celebrations with crowds of locals in colourful traditional dress from a bar overlooking the square.
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CALIFORNIA WINE MONTH, USA
September
A whole month dedicated to celebrating wine is our kind of festival. As the harvest season swings into California, wineries across the region put on special events, tastings and concerts to coincide with the annual grape crushing season.
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VIVID SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
22nd May – 13th June
A lively celebration of light, music and creativity, Vivid Sydney sees the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge light up with brightly coloured projections and the rest of the city spring to life with musical performances and workshops.
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HORNBILL FESTIVAL, INDIA
1st – 10th December
The Indian state of Nagaland is renowned for its vibrant tribal festivals and this is the biggest of them all. Learn about the deeply traditional and spiritual local communities as you watch the festival’s sports, performances, crafts and ceremonies.
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LAS FALLAS, VALENCIA, SPAIN
15th - 19th March
Join the local Valencians to celebrate the start of spring with elaborate parades, fireworks and prize givings, which then culminate in the dramatic burning of the fantastical parade monuments to signify the official end of winter.
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HERMANUS WHALE FESTIVAL, S.A.
24th September – 27th September
By September South Africa’s southern right whale watching season is at its peak. Head to the lovely coastal town of Hermanus for epic whale encounters, dedicated conservation efforts and plenty of fun with street food and music aplenty.
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MIDSUMMER, SWEDEN
20th June
Forget Christmas, for Swedes the biggest celebration of the year is Midsummer. On the summer solstice, head to a local park, put some flowers in your hair and join the locals as they dance around a pole, sip schnapps and sing traditional songs.
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SONGKRAN, THAILAND
13th – 15th April
Prepare to get drenched if you visit Thailand during Songkran, otherwise known as Thai New Year. As Buddhas are paraded through the streets, locals purify themselves for the New Year by throwing water over one another – grab a water pistol and join in.
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